Automatic flush valve actuation apparatus

ABSTRACT

A flexible drive mechanism for a flushing apparatus actuated by movement of a flush handle via an actuation element. The drive mechanism includes a housing and flexible drive system in the housing, the flexible drive system including an actuating element operable to move the flush handle between a non-actuating position and a full stop actuating position. The flexible drive system is maintained in substantial continuous contact with the flush handle as the flush handle moves to its full stop position, and the flexible drive system continues to operate without stalling after the flush handle reaches its full stop position as a support plate for the motor and flexible drive system changes position to provide flexure or “give” between the flush handle and the actuating element to prevent stalling of the flexible drive system. In another embodiment, the flexible drive system includes a cam having a main body part and a flexible body part, with a bias element between the body parts. As the cam rotates beyond the full stop position of the flush handle, the flexible body part moves towards the main body part against the force of the bias element, providing the flexure or “give” which allows continued rotation of the cam through a full 360 degree cycle after the flush handle has reached its full stop position.

[0001] The present invention relates to automatic flush valve actuationdevices for toilet and urinal facilities, and in particular to add-onflush valve operation devices that are adapted to be readily and easilyattached to existing flush valve mechanisms for movement of theactuation handle of such flush value mechanisms.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Public awareness of personal hygiene and water conservationissues has initiated a response by manufacturers of public and privatesanitary and water use facilities to develop systems that eliminatehuman contact with environmental surfaces that may contain diseasespreading bacteria and to minimize flush water usage to eliminate waste.

[0003] Many present toilet and urinal flush devices for sanitaryfacilities are operated by a water control valve including a manuallyoperable flush handle adapted to be gripped and moved by a userfollowing use of the sanitary facility. A typical valve arrangement isshow, by way of example, in U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,776,812 and 3,399,860.However, those valve actuation devices present several problems. Amongthese problems are the fact that with an enlightened awareness thatpublic sanitary facilities may have been previously used by someonehaving a communicable or other disease that is spread upon contact,individual users of sanitary facilities are becoming reluctant to touchthe flush handle and risk becoming ill. Therefore, the sanitary facilitymay remain unflushed, leaving human waste products in the toilet andurinal, obviously increasing the unsanitary conditions, and fouling theatmosphere in the facility. Therefore, having flush value mechanismsthat people won't use can lead to extremely unsanitary and undesirableconditions.

[0004] In addition, many present flush handle operated valve mechanismsfor sanitary devices are constructed such that the user can hold on tothe handle for an excessive time period, retaining the valve mechanismin an open position longer than necessary to flush the toilet or urinal.This obviously wastes water, which can be a major problem in those partsof the world where water is a scarce commodity. Also, excessive wateruse leads to additional and unnecessary costs for the entity installingand maintaining the washroom facility.

[0005] Several systems have been developed in an attempt to address thehygiene and water control problems of existing manual flush controlmechanisms for sanitary facilities. These include structures whichtotally replace the manually operated flush valve mechanism with anautomatic, sensor actuated flush valve operation device that is alsoconnected to the 110 volt electrical system extant in the facility. Sucha system is show in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,588. However, the replacement ofexisting manually operated flush handle devices with such units iscostly, particularly in buildings such as hotels, office buildings andthe like which presently have installed numerous manual handle operatedflush mechanisms in their sanitary facilities. Such replacement wouldrequire the work of mechanical and plumbing personnel, and theinstallation cost of replacing numerous manually operable flush deviceswith automatic devices of the type disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 4,793,588would be prohibitive. Also, this replacement project would require ashut down of the water supply system or turning off water to the valveuntil the valve mechanisms could be replaced, which is undesirable inlarge hotels, offices and other structures. Additionally, buildingpermits would be required for such a replacement project.

[0006] Another attempt to automatically operate a manual flush valvemechanism for a sanitary facility is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,056,143,which discloses a door operated electrical solenoid device fordepressing a manual flush handle each time the door to the toilet stallis opened. However, the device shown in U.S. Pat. No. 3,056,143 has manyshortcomings. The existing valve housing in the prior art structurewould have to be disassembled, re-worked and retrofitted to accept thebracket supporting the solenoid. This requires reconstruction of thevalve housing. Also, the cantilever nature of the reference mountingstructure will result in possible movement of the bracket upon actuationof the solenoid, and improper actuation of the flush handle. Further,the reference device is tied to the electrical system of the building inwhich the stall is located, requiring added installation costs. Thereference device will operate each time the door opens, whereby theflush mechanism will operate twice for each use. This waste of watercould be significant, considering that sanitary facilities are operated4,000 times per month in many installations. Additionally, in thereference device, the existing flush handle remains exposed, whereby thehandle can be manually operated or kicked, as some users are prone to doto avoid touching the handle. This exposure of the handle can also leadto water waste through manual operation.

[0007] When designing a device that will automatically operate a flushhandle of an existing manual flush apparatus, an important considerationis that as line water pressure increases, the handle stroke of a commonflush valve must pivotally extend further from its initial position toactually flush the toilet. For example, flushing may occur with thehandle pivoted one-half way through its full extent at a water pressureof 50 psi, but may be required to be pivoted through 90 percent of itsfull motion to accomplish flushing at 100 psi. It has been determinedthat to provide proper flushing facing these variances in handleposition, it is necessary to drive the handle to its full movableposition, or to a metal-to-metal stop position if no buffer material isplaced between the handle and the part of the valve housing throughwhich the handle extends, to ensure that flushing occurs at high waterpressures. Due to manufacturing tolerances, the “full down,” “fullstop,” or “metal-to-metal stop” position of the handle varies somewhatbetween sanitary installations. If the valve operating mechanism isconstructed to insure that a flush will occur at a “full down” positionon one valve installation, this “fill down” position may be beyond the“full down” position of another valve. In this situation, the motordriven cam or other drive mechanism will stall due to “metal-to-metal”contact between the valve handle and the valve housing before the camhas completed a full rotation. Therefore, the cam drive system for thehandle must provide a degree of flexure, or “give,” to allow for thisdifference in valve handle operating parameters.

[0008] Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide anautomatic flush valve actuation apparatus that can be installed andmounted on existing manual flush valve mechanisms without requiring anymechanical work or structural changes to the existing manual flushmechanism.

[0009] It is a further object of the present invention to provide anautomatic flush valve actuation apparatus which can be readily mountedto existing flush valve mechanisms, whereby the flush valve actuationapparatus engages a portion of the flush mechanism housing to preventrotation of the actuation apparatus during operation.

[0010] Another object of the present invention is to provide a batteryoperated flush valve actuation device for a sanitary unit such as atoilet or urinal, which requires no connection to the extant electricalsystem of the installation in which the sanitary unit is located.

[0011] An additional object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically operated actuation device for existing sanitary unit flushhandle mechanisms which can be actuated by sensors responsive to use ofthe facility, and by timing devices that automatically actuate the flushhandle at predetermined time intervals.

[0012] Yet another object of the present invention is to provide anautomatically operated flush valve handle actuation device in a compact,self contained unit which can readily be attached to an existing manualflush valve mechanism on existing sanitary units without the need toconnect the actuation device to any outside power or control sources.

[0013] A further object of the present invention is to provide a compactself contained flush valve handle actuation device which isautomatically mounted on and aligned with the existing flush valvehousing structure, whereby the mounting structure provides the necessarytorque to enable the operating mechanism inside the flush handleactuation device to overcome the valve housing spring pressure acting onthe flush handle and to depress the flush handle to accomplish flushing.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide flexure inthe valve handle drive mechanism to prevent the handle drive cam orother drive mechanism from stalling when the handle reaches its “fulldown” or “metal-to-metal stop” position.

[0015] Another object of the present invention is to provide a compost,battery operated sell contained flush valve handle actuation device thatoperates on minimum power drain of the batteries, and thus provides longbattery life.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0016] These and other objects and advantages of the present inventionare provided in an apparatus for automatically actuating the flushhandle of a flush valve mechanism of a sanitary device, wherein theflush handle extends outward from the flush valve mechanism. The flushvalve mechanism includes a flat exterior surface adjacent a connectingelement which connects the flush handle to the flush valve mechanism. Atension device is disposed between the flush handle and the flush valvemechanism to urge the flush handle back to a non-flush first positionafter the flush handle has been moved to a second flush position by theautomatic flush handle actuation mechanism. The present inventionprovides a compact housing having a battery operated, motor driven flushhandle actuation mechanism in the housing which moves the handle to thesecond flush position when the motor is activated. The tension devicereturns the handle to its first position upon completion of one flushingoperation.

[0017] A sensor connected to the housing, and a timing circuit insidethe housing of the present invention, operates the motor upon sensing ause of the sanitary facility to which the housing is attached. Thetiming circuit also enables the sanitary unit to be flushed atpredetermined intervals irrespective of use, where it may be desirableto add and remove anti-bacterial and cleaning agents to and from thesanitary facility at night when the unit is not being used. The housingis removably mounted to the flush valve mechanism and includes a flangedsurface abutting a flat surface of the flush valve mechanism whichprevents the housing from rotating or otherwise moving relative to theflush valve mechanism to provide the necessary torque to the motordriven handle actuation device inside the housing.

[0018] In a first illustrated embodiment of the present invention, amotor driven cam device contacts the flush handle, and the cam devicerotates through 360 degrees after the motor receives a short pulse ofelectrical energy from the batteries. A switch and latching circuit thenconnects the electrical power to the motor, which continues the rotationof the cam. The cam surfaces are designed to initially depress the flushhandle, then to allow the tension device of the flush valve mechanism toraise the handle back to its non-flush position. The rotatable cam whichengages the flush handle includes a partial flexible or shock absorberconstruction, such as a moveable portion of the cam, and a resilientmember provided in a slot in the cam and abutting the moveable camportion, to allow the flush handle to be moved to its full stop positionwhile the cam continues to rotate through 360 degrees, therebypreventing the cam and drive motor from stalling. Such constructioncompensates for potential interference between the rotating cam at highwater pressure due to the varying tolerances of the handle full stopposition for different valve handle stop positions.

[0019] In a second illustrated embodiment of the present invention, themotor, reduction gear train and cam drive mechanism for selectivelyoperating the flush handle are mounted to the housing on a moveablemetal plate, which is biased toward its non-operating position by aspring extending between the housing and the moveable plate. In theillustrated embodiment, the moveable plate provides flexure between thedrive cam and the handle, and is mounted for pivotal rotation relativeto the housing. The motor develops sufficient torque to drive any flushhandle against the force of the tension device in the flush valvehousing. As the drive cam rotates, and if it moves the flush handle toits “full down” position to accomplish a flushing operation, addedtorque produced by the motor causes the moveable plate on which themotor, gear train and cam are mounted to rotate through a relativelysmall angle, which allows the cam to continue to rotate through a full360 degrees, at which point the motor plate pivots through a reverseangle and returns to its original, non-operating position.

[0020] In both of the illustrated embodiments of the present invention,the flexure tension provided by the partial flexible cam assembly of thefirst embodiment, and by the moveable metal plate and spring assembly ofthe second embodiment is greater than the maximum tension force requiredto overcome the force applied by the tension device and high waterpressure in the valve housing, which tension device applies a bias forcedirected to move the flush handle back to its non-flush position. Thisinsures that the flush handle movement achieves a full flush positionprior to flexure of the flexible cam or moveable mounting plate of therespective embodiments.

[0021] The embodiments of the present invention are adapted to bereadily installed over existing manually operated flush handlemechanisms, without the need to disassemble any of the existing flushvalve mechanism structures or shut off the water supply. The presentdevice can be installed or removed in a matter of moments, using simplehand tools, and no external plumbing or electrical connections arerequired.

[0022] By eliminating any intrusion into the valve mechanism itself, thepresent invention can be mounted onto an existing flushing mechanismwithout causing the possibility of leaks. Also, the present inventioncan be installed by a building's present maintenance staff, without therequirement of building permits. The housing is also stable againstrotation and lateral movement relative to the flushing mechanism.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023]FIG. 1 is a cut-away front elevational view of a flush valvemechanism assembly as commonly found in the prior art for manuallyflushing sanitary units such as toilets, urinals and the like;

[0024]FIG. 2 is a schematic view of one embodiment of the automaticflush handle actuating mechanism of the present invention showing oneplacement of the power/circuit module, the actuating module, and theflush valve, with the handle actuating mechanism in a de-actuatingposition;

[0025]FIG. 3 is a schematic view of the flush handle actuating mechanismof FIG. 2, without the power/circuit module and showing the handleactuating mechanism in its actuation position;

[0026]FIG. 4 is a diagrammatic view of the relationship between the camactuator element and the flush handle in the non-actuated position ofthe embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0027]FIG. 4A is an optional flat spring that can be used in place ofthe coil spring in the cam actuator element illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5,and 6.

[0028]FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic view of the relationship between the camactuator element and the flush handle after the flush handle has beenmoved to its full stop position in the embodiment of the invention shownin FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0029]FIG. 6 is a diagrammatic view of the relationship between the camactuator element and the flush handle, illustrating the flexing of aportion of the cam as the cam continues to rotate past the full downwardmovement of the flush handle; in the embodiment of the invention shownin FIGS. 2 and 3.

[0030]FIG. 7 is a top perspective view of the housing, moveable motormounting plate and cam drive forming part of a second embodiment of thepresent invention;

[0031]FIG. 8 is a side perspective view of the housing and moveablemotor mounting plate, with the cam removed, of the second embodiment ofthe present invention;

[0032]FIG. 9 is a diagrammatic perspective view showing a way ofmounting the moveable motor mounting plate to the housing in the secondembodiment of the present invention, and of biasing the moveable motormounting to a first position.

[0033]FIG. 10 is an external front elevation partially cutaway view ofthe automatic flush handle actuation device of the present inventionmounted to a standard flushing mechanism, particularly illustrating theflange extension of the handle actuation device housing which abuts aflat surface on the flushing mechanism housing to hold the handleactuation device against rotation;

[0034]FIG. 11 is a perspective detail cut-away view of a portion of themodular housing unit of the present invention, showing the brackets formounting the modular housing unit to the flushing mechanism housing;

[0035]FIG. 12 is a diagrammatic view of the relationship between theflush handle, cam and moveable support plate in the non-operativeposition of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7-9;

[0036]FIG. 13 is a diagrammatic view of the relationship between theflush handle, cam and moveable support plate when the flush handle hasmoved to its full stop position in the embodiment of the invention shownin FIGS. 7-9;

[0037]FIG. 14 is a diagrammatic view of the relationship between theflush handle, cam and moveable support plate as the cam continues torotate beyond the full stop position and back to the non-operativeposition of the embodiment of the invention shown in FIGS. 7-9 and 12;

[0038]FIG. 15 is a circuit diagram of the power/circuit module of thepresent invention;

[0039]FIG. 16 is a circuit diagram of the power/circuit module under analternate embodiment of the present invention; and

[0040]FIG. 17 is a circuit diagram of the power/circuit module under asecond alternate embodiment of the present diagram.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, a flushing mechanism commonly found in theprior art for flushing sanitary units such as toilets and urinals isdesignated by the numeral 10. Flush water is supplied to the flushingmechanism 10 through an intake port 12, and the water is delivered underpressure to a chamber 14 normally closed off by a valve 16. Leading fromvalve 16 is a water delivery pipe 18 which leads directly to a sanitaryunit, such as a toilet or urinal (not shown).

[0042] The valve 16 includes a stem 20 which extends downward in pipe18. The upper portion 22 of stem 20 is connected to a tiltable valveoperating mechanism 24. The lower portion 26 of stem 20 is adapted to becontacted by a moveable plunger pin 28, which is mechanically connectedto a flush handle 30 through a partial ball joint linkage mechanism 32.When flush handle 30 is manually moved through the arc 34 from its firstposition, shown in FIG. 1, to a second downward position (FIG. 3),plunger pin 28 moves to the right, contacts lower end 26 of stem 20, andtilts stem 20 to the right, as viewed in FIG. 1. This tilting movementof stem 20 causes valve 16 to pivot about point 36, thereby openingwater delivery pipe 14 to the passage of pressurized flush water fromchamber 14 and through pipe 18, thus flushing the sanitary unit.

[0043] A tension device, in the form of compression spring 38, iscompressed when flush handle 30 is released, and spring 38 urges handle30 back to the position shown in FIG. 1, thereby allowing stem 20 toreturn to its vertical position and close off valve 16. This halts theflushing operation through pipe 18. It has been determined empiricallythat a force in the range of four to eleven pounds is required to moveflush handle 30 through arc 34 against the force of spring 38 at thepoint of contact of a flush valve actuator with handle 30.

[0044] Referring the FIGS. 1 and 10, flushing mechanism 10 is encased ina housing 40 which has an opening 42 through which flush handle 30extends. Opening 42 resides in a circular bushing 44 which is removablyattached to housing 40 by a threaded nut 46. In most instances, nut 46has a hexagonally shaped outer surface for engagement by an ordinaryopen-end wrench. Housing 40 includes a pair of external front and backflat portions 48 (FIG. 10) which form part of the casing comprisinghousing 40. In FIG. 10, only the front flat portion 48 is visible. Theback flat portion of the housing is directly behind the front flatportion 48 shown in FIG. 10.

[0045] If preferred, the outer surface of bushing 44 surrounding handle30 may include a circular cushioning surface 45, composed of a hard butmalleable plastic composition, to absorb the stresses that occur whenthe handle 30 is moved to its full stop position and bears againstbushing 44.

[0046] One embodiment of the automatic flush handle actuation device ofthe present invention is illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, and is designatedgenerally by the numeral 50. The flush handle actuation device 50 ofthis embodiment is comprised of two major components, i.e.: a modularhousing unit 52 and a power/circuit module 54. The housing unit 52 isadapted to be easily mounted onto flushing mechanism housing 40 overflush handle 30 in a manner to be explained. Internally of modularhousing unit 52 is a motor 56 which is mechanically connected through areduction gear train 58 to a flush valve actuator or drive element (cam60) which is mounted by pin 61 on gear 62 of reduction gear train 58. Asmotor 56 is activated, gear train 58 rotates gear 62 in acounter-clockwise direction, as viewed in FIG. 2. Cam 60 moves downward,contacting flush handle 30, moving flush handle 30 downward to theposition shown in FIG. 3. A portion of handle 30 comes into contact withbushing 44 for “metal-to-metal” abutment if cushioning surface 45 is notprovided. The same portion of handle 30 contacts cushioning surface 45where provided in the “full down” position of the handle. The movementof flush handle 30 advances plunger pin 28 to the right against theforece of compression spring 38, tilting stem 20 and activating flushmechanism 10. As will be explained in further detail, compression spring38 (FIG. 1) returns flush handle 30 to the position shown in FIG. 2after power to motor 56 is cut off.

[0047] In one embodiment, motor 56 is rigidly mounted to a side wall 64of housing 52. Likewise, the elements of gear train 58 are rotatablymounted on shafts having axes 66, 68 and 70, which are rigidly mountedon side walls 64 of housing 52. Any reverse torque applied by spring 38through flush handle 30 during operation of motor 56 and movement of theflush handle from the position shown in FIG. 2 to the position of FIG. 3is resisted by the force of cam 60, gear train 58 and motor 56 actingthrough housing 52. For that reason, the first embodiment of presentinvention provides a rigid, while readily removable mounting structurebetween modular housing unit 52 and flushing mechanism housing 40.

[0048] To this end, referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3, 10 and 11, modularhousing unit 52 includes a cradle-shaped mounting bracket 74 rigidlyattached near one end of housing 52 which is adapted to be attached toflushing mechanism housing 40. A flange portion 76 (FIGS. 10, 11)extends from housing unit 52 beyond the location of bracket 74. Bracket74 includes a semi-circular cut-out portion 78 (FIG. 11) adapted to fitaround half of the outside portion of bushing 44. A separate bracket 80having a semi-circular opening 82 is provided to engage bracket 74 suchthat opening 82 extends substantially around the remaining half ofbushing 44 when modular housing 52 is mounted on flushing mechanismhousing 40. A pair of screws 84 are provided to readily allow bracket 80to be firmly attached to bracket 74 by use of an ordinary screwdriver.

[0049] As best seen in FIGS. 10 and 11, when brackets 74 and 80 mountmodular housing 52 to flushing mechanism housing 40, flange 76 extendsover and engages the back flat surface 48 of housing 40, therebypreventing modular housing 52 from rotating relative to flushingmechanism housing 40. The inside of brackets 74 and 80 include a cut-outportion 90 in the shape of hexagonal nut 46. The far edge of nut 46abuts a small rib (not shown) in the brackets 74 and 80 which preventsthe housing 52 and mechanism 58 from being pulled off of handle 30. Thecut-out portions 78 and 82 in brackets 74 and 80 are configured toengage circular bushing 44 to further assist in rigidly mounting modularhousing 52 to flushing mechanism housing 40.

[0050] In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in FIGS. 2-6, cam60 is rigidly fixed to gear 62, and rotates eccentrically as gear 62rotates counter-clockwise (arrow A) as seen in FIGS. 2 and 3 when motor56 is energized. As best seen in FIGS. 4-6, cam 60 includes a main bodyportion 63 and a flexible body portion 65, the body and flexibleportions being separated and joined by a hinge portion 67. A space 69 isprovided between main body portion 63 and flexible body portion 65 ofcam 60, and a spring 71 or other suitable biasing element is suitablylodged in a channel 73 provided partly through main body portion 63 ofcam 60. Spring 71 extends outward from channel 73, and the top surfaceof spring 71 abuts an inner surface 75 of flexible body portion 65, andbiases the flexible body portion outwardly and away from main bodyportion 63 of cam 60. Hinge portion 67 comprises a strip of the materialfrom which cam 60 is composed, and provides resistance to excessivemovement of flexible body portion 65 away from main body portion 63under the force of spring 73.

[0051]FIG. 4A illustrates an alternate flat-type spring 77 that can beinserted in space 69 in place of spring 71. The upper and lower flanges79, 81 of flat spring 77 are adapted to fit into corresponding slots(not shown) disposed in face 75 of flexible body portion 65, and in face83 of main body portion 63 of cam 60. The outer circumference of cam 60is substantially circular when the cam is in its non-operative mode, asseen in FIG. 4. The lower end of cam 60 is adjacent to, and notnecessarily in contact with, the outer surface of flush handle 30, asillustrated by the gap B, in the non-operative mode of cam 60.

[0052] In operation, referring to the embodiment of FIGS. 2-6, uponenergization of motor 56, gear 62 is rotated counter-clockwise throughreduction gear train 58, and cam 60 begins to rotate eccentrically, asseen in FIGS. 4-6. After rotating counterclockwise through a short arc,the circumference of cam 60 contacts handle 30, and begins to pushhandle 30 downward until handle 30 abuts an edge of bracket 44 as cam 60continues to rotate. At this point, handle 30 reaches its “full stop”position, and causes a flushing action as described previously.

[0053] Cam 60 continues to rotate after handle 30 has reached its fullstop position (FIGS. 5, 6). As seen in FIG. 5, hinge 67 is located oncam 60 beyond the point of contact between cam 60 and handle 30 whenhandle 30 reaches its full stop position. As cam 60 continues to rotatein the counterclockwise direction, as seen in FIG. 6, handle 30 cannotmove downward any further. Thus, handle 30 exerts a force on flexiblebody portion 65 of cam 60 which moves the flexible body portion 65toward main body portion 63, closing gap 69 and compressing spring 71.As cam 60 continues to rotate, the outer circumference of flexible bodyportion 65 eventually moves out of contact with handle 30, and the outercircumference of main body portion of cam 60 contacts handle 30. Theretative dimensions of cam 60 and the location of pin 61 are designed toallow handle 30 to move upward under the force of spring 38 (FIG. 1) ascam 60 rotates beyond its position shown in FIG. 6 until the cam 60 andhandle 30 movement completes one cycle of operation, and the cam andhandle return to their respective inoperative positions show in FIG. 4.As cam 60 rotates from the position shown in FIG. 6 to the inoperativeposition shown in FIG. 4, flexible body portion 65 moves away from mainbody portion 63 of cam 60 under the force of spring 71.

[0054] The flexure built into cam 60 through the width of gap 69 andspring 71 allows the cam to continue its rotation beyond the point wherehandle 30 has reached its full stop position, regardless of where thatfull stop position is. This prevents stalling of cam 60 and motor 56 asthe cam continues to rotate subsequent to handle 30 reaching its fullstop position.

[0055] A second embodiment of the drive mechanism for handle 30, whichdrive mechanism includes flexure to prevent stalling of motor 56 whenhandle 30 reaches its full stop position, is illustrated in FIGS. 7-9.In this embodiment, motor 56 is mounted on a laterally moveable supportplate 81, and the gears forming reduction gear train 58 are alsorotatably mounted on moveable support plate 81. A cam 83 (FIG. 7) ismounted for rotation with gear 62 in a counter-clockwise direction whenmotor 56 is activated. Cam 83 includes a first surface portion 85 ofincreasing diameter in the direction of rotation (arrow C), and a secondsomewhat flat surface portion 87 of decreasing diameter in the directionof rotation of cam 83.

[0056] As seen in FIG. 9, moveable support plate 81 of the illustratedembodiment is pivotally mounted by pin 89 to housing unit 52 to move ina relatively small arc around pin 89, shown by arrow D. Pins 91 and 93extend to housing unit 52 through slightly arcuate slots 95 and 97 inmoveable support plate 81 to allow plate 81 to pivotally move in a smallarc around pin 89 (arrow D). A spring 99, or other suitable tensiondevice, is attached at one end to plate 81 at pin 101, and to housing 52at pin 103, to bias moveable plate 81 in a clockwise direction aroundpin 89.

[0057] The operation of the second embodiment of the invention disclosedin FIGS. 7-9 is best explained with reference to FIGS. 12-14. In theinoperative position of the second embodiment (FIG. 12), cam 83 is inthe position shown, with second cam surface 87 substantially parallel toand a slight distance from flush handle 30. If desired, and if thethickness of handle 30 dictates, second cam surface 87 of cam 83 mayabut handle 30. Spring 99 urges moveable plate 81 to the position shownin FIG. 12.

[0058] Upon activation of motor 56, cam 83 rotates in acounter-clockwise direction (arrow E), first cam surface 85 contactsflush handle 30 and drives handle 30 to its full stop position, asdiagrammatically shown in FIG. 13. As handle 30 reaches it full stopposition, cam 83 continues to rotate as flushing action occurs. Sincehandle 30 cannot move, the force between handle 30 and cam 83 istransferred through gear train 58 to moveable support plate 81, uponwhich gear train 58 and cam 83 are mounted. This force causes moveableplate 81 to rotate counter-clockwise (arrow F) through a relativelysmall arc around pin 89 against the bias of spring 99 until the moveableplate 81 is in the position shown in FIG. 13. This increases thedistance between the center of rotation 105 of cam 83, and the outersurface of handle 30, and allows cam 83 to continue itscounter-clockwise rotation without stalling motor 56.

[0059] When cam 83 reaches the position shown in FIG. 14, handle 30starts to move upward to return to its non-operative position (FIG. 12).The force between handle 30 and cam 83 diminishes, and moveable supportplate 81 rotates clockwise (arrow G) about pin 89. As cam 83 continuesto rotate, moveable plate 81, cam 83 and handle 30 ultimately return tothe position shown in FIG. 12. The flush operating mechanism is ready toinitiate a new cycle of operation when motor 56 is again actuated.

[0060] An example of the operation of moveable support plate 81 relativeto housing unit 52 will be explained. Assume the maximum torque requiredto fully flush the highest torque handle 30 assembly (due to high waterpressure) and move handle 30 to its full stop position is 15foot-pounds. The tension on spring 99 is set higher than the maximumtorque to reach the full stop position of the handle 30, but less thenthe torque developed by the motor 56 and cam 60. In the present example,assume the maximum torque developed by the cam and motor at lowbatteries is 25 foot-pounds. In this example, the tension on spring 99is established to provide a torque of 20 foot-pounds. As a result, themoveable support plate 81 and cam 60 develop more than sufficient torqueto drive even the highest torque flush handle 30 to its full stopposition (FIG. 3). When handle 30 reaches its full stop position (inthose assemblies where this position is reached), the added torque inthe motor drives the moveable support plate 81 to pivot about pin 89,(FIG. 13) allowing cam 60 to rotate a full 360 degrees. At the end ofthe rotation of cam 60, moveable support plate 81 has returned to itsinoperative position (FIG. 12).

[0061] Operation of the automatic flush handle actuation device 50occurs under any of a number of predetermined events. One such event isuse of the sanitary unit. Another event may be non-use of the sanitaryunit for some predetermined time period. Upon the occurrence of one ofthe predetermined events, a signal generating means activates theautomatic flush handle actuation device 50.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 2, one signal generating means includes asensor for detecting use of the sanitary facility. The sensor may be amotion detector, infra-red sensor, or a body heat detector, alldesignated 100. Upon detection of use by the sensor, an electroniccontrol means (circuit board 102) inter-connected between a power source104 and drive mechanism 50 within the modular housing unit 52 provides apulse of electrical energy to the motor 56 of such duration as to rotatethe gear 62 through 360 degrees, at which point power to motor 56 is cutoff, and spring 38 (FIG. 1) raises handle 30 upward to its closedposition, as previously described. In one embodiment, power source 104constitutes one or more battery units (four shown), whereby no outsideelectrical power is required to operate motor 56.

[0063] Other signal generating means include a user button 106 or aninterval timer on circuit board 102 set to periodically activate theautomatic flush handle actuation device 50 during the evening hours whenuse of the sanitary unit would in infrequent. In the case of theinterval timer, a day/night sensor 108 may be provided to deactivate thetimer during daytime hours.

[0064] Control of automatic flush handle activation device 50 under anembodiment of the invention can be best understood by reference to thecircuit diagram of FIG. 15 and by reference to the parts list of TABLE1: TABLE 1 IC1: PC74HC74, CMOS, PHILIPS OR EQUIVALENT IC2: N74HC04,CMOS, MITSUBISHI OR EQUIVALENT IC3.8: PC74HC74, CMOS, PHILIPS OREQUIVALENT IC4: HD74HCO4, CMOS, HITACHI OR EQUIVALENT IC5, 6, 7:HD4HC00, CMOS, HITACHI OR EQUIVALENT IC9: BJ-101, CMOS ASIC, HOLTEKMICRO ELECTRONICS IC10: 7044A, 4.4 V VOLTAGE DETECTOR, HOLTEK MICROELECTRONICS IC11: 1033, 3.3 V VOLTAGE DETECTOR, HOLTK MICRO ELECTRONICSD1: INFRARED PHOTO DIODE D2, 3: INFRARED EMITTING DIODE, 5 MM DIAMETERD4: RED LED, 5 MM DIAMETER D5: GREEN LED, 5 MM DIAMETER D6-15: IN414148SWITCHING DIODE Q1, 3, 4: 2SC945 NPN TRANSISTOR OR EQUIVALENT Q2: 2SA733PNP TRANSISTOR OR EQUIVALENT Q5: 2SB562 PNP TRANSISTOR OR EQUIVALENT Q6:2SD965 NPN TRANSISTOR OR EQUIVALENT

[0065] Activation of the motor 56 of FIG. 15 under one embodiment occursupon receipt of an activation signal from either of two possible signalsources: (1) an output from a motion or infra-red or other sensingdetector 100 indicating use of the sanitary facility; or (2) an outputof a timer 200. An output from either source results in an activatingsignal to the motor 56 through a controlling “NOR” gate 201.

[0066] For the motor 56 to remain in a deactivated state, thecontrolling NOR gate 201 must have a logical 0 on each input. A logical0 at both inputs or NOR gate 201 results in a logical 1 at the output ofthe NOR gate 201 and a 0 at the output of the inverter 202. A 0 at theoutput of the inverter 202 causes transistors Q4 and Q5 to remain in anon-conductive state resulting in no voltage being applied to the motor56.

[0067] A logical 0 at both inputs of the NOR gate 201 causes a capacitorC1 of a resistor-capacitor (RC) timing circuit, R1 and C1, to charge toa supply voltage value (3.3V). The momentary application of apositive-going pulse to either input of the NOR gate 201 causes thecapacitor C1 of the RC timing circuit to rapidly discharge to 0. Alogical 0 at capacitor C1 and at the input to the inverter 202 causesthe activation of the motor 56 through transistors Q4 and Q5. The timeof activation of the motor 56 is determined by the charging time of theRC timing circuit R1, C1 after the input of the NOR gate 201 hasreturned to 0.

[0068] The occasion for the generation of the positive-going pulse atthe input of the NOR gate 201 from the sensor 100 is determined by thestate of mode switches S1 and S2. When the mode switches S1, S2 are inthe state shown in FIG. 15, (sanitary mode), the motor 56 will beactivated both when a user approaches the sanitary facility and when theuser leaves the sanitary facility. When only switch S1 is closed (normalmode) the motor 56 will be activated only once for each use of thesanitary facility. When only switch S2 is closed, the motor 56 will onlybe activated after every other use of the sanitary facility.

[0069] With switches S1 and S2 in the sanitary mode (S1 and S2 as shownin FIG. 15), a logical 0 is applied to one input of NAND gate 204 due tothe open state of the switch S2 and because resistor R10 pulls the inputto a very low value. The 0 at one input of the NAND gate 204 blocks thepassage of any control signals from the sensor 100 through the NAND gate204. Conversely, the logical 0 from switch S2 causes a logical 1 on NANDgate 205 though inverter 206. The logical 1 on one input of NAND gate205 allows the passage of control signals from the sensor 100 to thecontrolling NOR gate 201 through NAND gate 203, 205 and 208.

[0070] With the sensor 100 in a deactivated state, a logical 0 ismaintained on interconnect 210. The logical 0 on interconnect 210results (after a time period) in logical 0's on the inputs of inverters209 and 211 as well. The logical 0's on the inputs of inverters 209 and211 causes logical 1's to be applied to the inputs of NAND gate 208 and,consequently, a logical 0 at the input of the controlling NOR gate 201.

[0071] Upon activation of the sensor 100, caused by the approach of auser to the sanitary facility, the interconnect 210 rises to alogical 1. The change of interconnect 210 to a logical 1 causes anegative-going pulse to emanate from the output of inverter 211. Thenegative-going pulse is transferred to the controlling NOR gate 201causing activation of the motor 56 through NAND gates 208, 205 and 203.The duration of the negative-going pulse from inverter 211 is determinedby resistance and capacitance values of a second RC timing circuit R2,C2.

[0072] Likewise, when the user of the sanitary facility leaves (causingdeactivation of the sensor 100), a second negative-going pulse emanatesfrom the output of inverter 209. The duration of the secondnegative-going pulse is determined by resistance and capacitance valuesof the third RC timing circuit R3, C3.

[0073] When the switches S1, S2 of the automatic flush handle activationdevice 50 are changed to the normal mode (S1 closed; S2 open), the firstnegative-going pulse is dissipated across resister R4 into the powersupply (3.3V) through switch S1. Placing the automatic flush valveactivation device 50 in the normal mode causes the motor 56 to beactivated only once for each use of the sanitary facility (when the userwalks away thereby causing the sensor 100 to become deactivated) by anegative-going pulse from inverter 209 through NAND gates 208, 205, 203.

[0074] When the automatic flush handle activation device 50 is placed inthe water saver mode (S2 closed), the motor 56 is activated (sanitaryfacility flushed) only after every other use of the sanitary facility.Activation of the motor 56 after every other use is accomplished byrerouting the activation signal from a path through NAND gates 208, 205and 203 to a path through NOR gate 207 and NAND gates 204 and 203.Rerouting is accomplished by placing a logical 1 on one input of NANDgate 204 through switch 52 and by placing a logical 0 on NAND gate 205through use of switch 52 and inverter 206. The application of a logical0 on one input of NAND gate 205 blocks signal flow through NAND gate205. The application of a logical 1 to one input of NAND gate 204 allowssignal flow through NAND gates 204 and 203 from NOR gate 207.

[0075] NOR gate 207 provides a logical 1 output only when both inputsignals become a logical 0. Inverter 209, as explained above, provides anegative-going pulse each time the sensor transcends to a deactivatedstate. D flip-flop 212, on the other hand toggles between a set and areset state each time the sensor 100 is activated. Each time theflip-flop 212 is in a reset state when the sensor 100 is activated, theoutput of the flip-flop 212 (logical 1) blocks (at NOR gate 207) thenegative-going pulse from inverter 212. The net result of blocking everyother pulse is that whenever the switch S2 is closed, the motor 56 isactivated (sanitary facility flushed) only once for each two uses of thesanitary facility.

[0076] Turning now to the timing circuit 200, an output activating themotor 56 is provided at the controlling NOR gate 201 from the timingcircuit 200 every four hours. The output is provided by dividing a 75kilo Hertz (kHz) signal within 2¹⁰, 2 ⁵, and 2¹⁵ counters. The 75 kHzsignal is generated by an oscillator consisting of the 2¹⁰ counter and aresistance-capacitance network R5, C5. The 76 kHz signal is reduced infrequency within the 2¹⁰ and 2⁵ counters of timer circuit 200 and routedthrough NAND gates 215 and 213 before being reduced to a four hoursignal within the 2¹⁵ counter of the timer circuit 200.

[0077] Upon insertion of batteries into the power unit 104 of theautomatic flush handle activation device 50, a D flip-flop 216 is placedinto a set state by the interaction of a capacitor C6 and a resister R6.Placing the D flip-flop 215 into a set state provides a calibrationinterval (7.5 minutes) for adjustments to a variable resistor, VR1,controlling the sensitivity of the sensor 100. During normal operation,adjustments may be made to the sensitivity of the sensor 100 by pushinga calibration button S3.

[0078] During the calibration interval, a logical 0 on the Q output ofthe D flip-flop 216 blocks signals passing from the 2⁵ counter to the2¹⁵ counter at NAND gate 215. A logical 1 on the Q output of the Dflip-flop 216 allows a signal to pass directly from the 2¹⁰ counter tothe 2¹⁵ counter via NAND gates 214 and 213. An output of the 2¹⁵ counteris then applied to a toggle input resetting D flip-flop 216 after 7.5minutes.

[0079] To aid in the calibration of the sensor 100 during thecalibration interval, a light emitting diode (LED) D4 provides visualindication that a user is within range of the sensor 100. Anegative-going pulse, B, caused by activation of the sensor 100 is gatedduring the calibration interval by the Q output of the D flip-flop 216to the LED D4 via inverter 228 and NAND gates 216, 217 and 220. Afterthe calibration interval, a second output, A, providing visualindication from the sensor 100 is gated to the LED D4 by the Q output ofthe D flip-flop 216 via NAND gates 219, 217 and 220.

[0080] In one embodiment, operation of the sensor 100 is facilitatedthrough use of two infrared transmitters D2, D3. A 2.27 Hz signal froman output of the 2⁵ counter of the timing circuit 200 is divided in halfwithin a D flip-flop 221 and is shaped within an RC network, R7, C7before application to transmitting diodes D2 D3 via transistor Q6.

[0081] When a user approaches the sanitary facility, infrared light fromthe transmitting diodes D2, D3, reflected from the user is detected bythe sensor 100 and amplified by transistors Q1-Q3. The amplified signalis then shifted across shift registers 221-226 by the 1.15 Hz signal 227also applied to the transmitting diodes D2, D3. Output signals from thesensor 100 are expanded and delayed within the shift register 221-226before application to the interconnect 210 via diodes D6, D8.

[0082] Control of the automatic flush handle activator device 50 underan alternate embodiment may be understood by reference to the circuitdiagram of FIG. 16. The motor 56 of the modular housing unit 52 asdescribed above may be activated by any one of three possible events:(1) activation by a user of the user button 106; (2) activation of amotion or pressure sensor 100; or (3) expiration of a time intervalprogrammed into the interval timer TR2 (FIG. 16). The interval timer maybe used during extended periods of inactivity (e.g. every two hours) toactivate the flushing mechanism 50. After each event, a normally-closedcontact CR1 would reset the timer TR2 for activation after anotherinterval.

[0083] Following activation of the motor 56 by a signal generatingmeans, bridging contact CR1 is closed across the signal generating meanselectric contact to maintain power on the motor 56 for sufficient timefor the gear 62 of the reduction gear train 58 to rotate through 360degrees. Cycle timer TR1 is programmed to allow sufficient time for suchrotation before deactivating the motor 56. Rotation of the gear 62through 360 degrees allows the cam 60, attached to the gear 62, to movethe flush handle 30 from a first position (FIG. 2) to the secondposition (FIG. 3). As cam 60 completes 360 degrees of rotation, thecycle timer TR1 times out, deactivating the motor 56, at which time thespring 38 within the flushing mechanism 10 has returned the flush handle30 to the first position (FIG. 2) as described above.

[0084] Rotational positioning of the gear 62 and cam 60 may be providedby a sensor activating element 114 rigidly mounted to the periphery ofthe gear 62. when the gear 62 is in a first position the position sensor110 is activated by the sensor activating element 114. When the gear 62rotates out of the first position, the position sensor 110 becomesdeactivated until the gear 62 (and sensor activating element 114) againreturns to the first position.

[0085]FIG. 17 is an alternate embodiment circuit diagram of thepower/circuit module 54. The two contacts of the position sensor 110(normally-open and normally-closed) of FIG. 17 are shown in thedeactivated state (sensor activating element 114 not activating theposition sensor 110).

[0086] As shown in FIG. 17, whenever the position sensor 110 isdeactivated by movement of sensor activating element 114 away from theposition sensor 110, the motor 56 will continue to rotate until thesensor activating element 114 again engages the position sensor 110.Events that will cause the position sensor 110 to become deactivatedinclude: (1) activation of the user button 106; (2) activation of themotion or pressure sensor 100; or (3) time-out of the timer TR2. Upondeactivation of the position sensor 110 because of any of the threeevents, the gear 62 and cam 60 will rotate through one completerevolution. Where deactivation of the position sensor 110 is caused bytime-out of the timer TR2, the rotation of the cam 60 will also resetthe timer TR2 through operation of the normally open set of positionsensor 110 contacts.

[0087] As demonstrated, the automatic flush handle activation device ofthe described embodiments of the present invention provides aneasy-to-install, reliable means of flushing sanitary devices withoutdirect user intervention. Such means is provided without the help of askilled craftsman or outside power sources. The use of a two-piececoupling member allows the automatic flush handle activation device tobe attached to existing plumbing fixtures without concern for serviceinterruptions or damage to the existing plumbing fixtures due totwisting forces inherent in prior art devices. Also, the two-piececoupling member allows the flush handle activation device of the presentinvention to be easily removed and replaced, if necessary.

[0088] The foregoing specification describes only the preferredembodiments of the invention as shown. Other embodiments besides theones described above may be articulated as well. The terms andexpressions, therefore, serve only to describe the invention by exampleonly and not to limit the invention. It is expected that others willperceive differences which, while differing from the foregoing, do notdepart from the spirit and scope of the invention herein described andclaimed.

We claim:
 1. A drive mechanism for a flushing apparatus having a flushhandle comprising: a housing; a flexible drive system in said housing,said flexible drive system operable to move the flush handle between afirst non-actuating position and a second full stop actuating position;said flexible drive system including at least one moveable element, saidflexible drive system maintained in substantial continuous contact withsaid flush handle when said flush handle reaches its full stop position;said flexible drive system continuing to operate without stalling aftersaid handle reaches its full stop position as said at least one moveableelement changes position.
 2. The drive mechanism of claim 1 wherein saidflexible drive system includes: a moveable support plate pivotallymounted on said housing; a motor fixedly mounted on said moveablesupport plate; an actuating element moveably mounted on said moveablesupport plate and operably connected to said motor, said actuatingelement selectively moved by said motor, said actuating elementcontacting said handle when said drive system is operable to move thehandle to said second full stop position.
 3. The drive mechanism ofclaim 2 wherein the actuating element comprises a cam rotatably mountedon said moveable support plate.
 4. The drive mechanism of claim 3wherein said flexible drive system rotates said cam throughsubstantially 360 degrees for each actuation of said flushing apparatus.5. The drive mechanism of claim 2 wherein said moveable support platerotates upon said handle reaching its full stop position to increase thedistance between the point where the actuating element is moveablymounted on the moveable support plate and the point where the actuatingelement contacts the handle, allowing the actuating element to continueits movement without stalling after the handle reaches its full stopposition.
 6. The drive mechanism of claim 5 wherein the actuatingelement is a cam rotatably mounted on the moveable support plate, thecam continuing its rotational movement without stalling after the handlereaches its full stop position.
 7. The drive mechanism of claim 2wherein said moveable support plate is pivotally mounted to said housingbetween a first position and a second position relative to said housing;a resilient element connected between said housing and said moveablesupport plate biasing said moveable plate to said first position.
 8. Thedrive mechanism of claim 7 wherein said drive mechanism produces a firsttorque against said handle when said handle is at its full stopposition; said actuating element and motor produce a second torque whensaid handle is at its full stop position; said resilient elementproduces a third torque applied to said moveable support plate; saidthird torque being greater than said first torque and less than saidsecond torque.
 9. The drive mechanism of claim 2 wherein said handlemoves back to said first non-actuating position as said actuatingelement continues to rotate beyond the full stop position of the handle.10. The drive mechanism of claim 1 wherein said flexible drive systemincludes a motor mounted on said housing; a flexible cam assemblyoperably connected to and rotated by said motor; said cam assemblyhaving a flexible element, said cam assembly in constant contact withsaid handle as said handle moves from said first non-actuating positionto said second full stop actuating position and back to said firstnon-operating position.
 11. The drive mechanism of claim 10 wherein saidflexible cam assembly includes a main body portion, a flexible bodyportion hingedly mounted to said main body portion, and a resilientelement operably connected between said main body portion and saidflexible body portion biasing said flexible body portion in asubstantially radial direction away from said main body portion of saidcam assembly.
 12. The drive mechanism of claim 11 wherein said flexiblebody portion of said cam is driven towards said first body portion ofsaid cam as said cam continues to rotate a predetermined distance aftersaid handle has continued to rotate upon said handle reaching its fullstop position.
 13. The drive mechanism of claim 12 wherein said flexiblebody portion of said cam is driven away from said first body portion ofsaid cam as said cam continues to rotate beyond said predetermineddistance.
 14. The drive mechanism of claim 1 including: a mountingassembly mounting said housing to said flushing apparatus andrestraining said housing against movement relative to said flushingapparatus when said flush handle actuating element is moved between saidfirst position and said second position.
 15. The drive mechanism ofclaim 1 wherein said housing includes: a battery support structureadapted to support a power source for the drive mechanism; an electroniccontrol electrically connected between said battery support structureand said flexible drive system to control the operation of said flexibledrive system.
 16. The drive mechanism of claim 15 including a signalgenerating element electrically connected to said electronic controlmeans, said signal generating element initiating actuation of saidflexible drive system upon the occurrence of a predetermined event. 17.The drive mechanism of claim 16 wherein said signal generating elementcomprises a sensor which senses the presence and subsequent absence of auser of a sanitary device with which said drive mechanism is associated.18. The drive mechanism of claim 16 wherein said signal generatingelement is a timing mechanism generating signals at predetermined timeintervals.
 19. The drive mechanism of claim 16 wherein said signalgenerating element comprises: a sensor which senses the presence andsubsequent absence of a user of a sanitary device with which said drivemechanism is associated; and a timing mechanism which generates signalsat predetermined time intervals.
 20. The drive mechanism of claim 14wherein said mounting assembly includes a flange surface extending fromsaid housing, said flange surface adapted to contact said flushingapparatus when said housing is mounted to said flushing apparatus. 21.The drive mechanism of claim 1 wherein said flexible drive systemincludes an actuating element in contact with said flush handle, saidactuating element driven by said flexible drive system through 360degrees.
 22. The drive mechanism of claim 21 wherein said actuatingelement is a cam.
 23. The drive mechanism of claim 22 including a switchelement to stop rotation of said cam after said cam has rotated 360degrees.
 24. An apparatus for automatically actuating the flush handleof the flushing mechanism of a sanitary device, the flush handleextending outwardly from the flushing mechanism, the flushing mechanismincluding a flat exterior surface adjacent a connecting elementconnecting the flush handle to the flushing mechanism, and a tensiondevice disposed between said flush handle and said flushing mechanism tourge said flush handle back to a first non-actuating position when saidflush handle is moved to a second full stop position from said firstposition, said apparatus comprising: a housing, a flexible drive systemin said housing, said flexible drive system operable to move said flushhandle from said first position to said second position; said flexibledrive system including at least one moveable element, said flexibledrive system maintained in substantial continuous contact with saidflush handle when said flush handle reaches its second full stopposition; said flexible drive system continuing to operate withoutstalling after said flush handle reaches its second full stop position;a sensor operably connected to said flexible drive system to detect asignal generated upon use of said sanitary device and actuate saidflexible drive system in response to said signal.
 25. The apparatus ofclaim 24 wherein: said housing is removably mounted to said flushingmechanism, said housing having a flange surface abutting the flatsurface of the flushing mechanism preventing said housing from rotatingrelative to said flushing mechanism.
 26. The apparatus of claim 24wherein said flexible drive system includes: a motor powered bybatteries; said motor operably connected to the flush handle to movesaid flush handle from said first position to said second position upongeneration of said signal by said sensor; said tension device returningsaid flush handle to said first position upon completion of a flushingoperation.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26 wherein said flexible drivesystem includes an actuating element operably connecting the motor tothe flush handle and adapted to physically contact said flush handle;said actuating element moved by said motor upon activation of saidmotor.
 28. A drive mechanism for a flush lever of a sanitary fixturecomprising: an electromechanical flexible actuator, within an enclosure,operably engaging the flush lever; first and second bracket halvesprojecting from the electromechanical flexible enclosure, substantiallyenclosing and rigidly engaging a bushing and nut securing the flushlever to the sanitary fixture.
 29. The mechanism as in claim 28 whereinopposing faces of the first and second bracket halves comprise acomplementary topography to the bushing and nut.
 30. The mechanism as inclaim 26 further comprising attachment means for biasing the first andsecond bracket halves against the bushing and nut between the first andsecond bracket halves.
 31. An apparatus for activating a flush lever ofa sanitary fixture comprising: an electromechanical flexible actuator,within an enclosure, operably engaging the flush lever; first and secondbracket halves substantially enclosing and rigidly engaging a bushing; ahexagonal nut securing the flush lever to the sanitary fixture;attachment means for securing the first and second bracket halves to theelectromechanical flexible actuator enclosure; and a power source forthe electromechanical flexible actuator.
 32. The mechanism as in claim31 wherein opposing faces of the first and second bracket halvescomprise a complementary topography to the bushing and nut.
 33. Themechanism as in claim 31 further comprising means for biasing the firstand second bracket halves against the bushing and nut located betweenthe first and second bracket halves.
 34. A control apparatus for aflexible drive mechanism of a flushing mechanism of a sanitary facilitycomprising: at least one moveable element in said flexible drivemechanism; said flexible drive mechanism maintained in substantialcontinuous contact with said flush handle when said flush handle ismoved from a first non-actuating position to a second full stopactuating position and back to the first non-actuating position; saidflexible drive mechanism continuing to operate without stalling aftersaid flush handle reaches said second full stop actuating position assaid at least one moveable element changes position; a self-containedpower source; a sensor for detecting use of the sanitary facility; amode selector interconnected with the sensor providing an output uponselected events of sensor operation including a first mode where anoutput occurs both in response to approach of a user and in response towithdrawal of the user, a second mode where an output occurs in responseto withdrawal of the user, and a third mode where an output occurs inresponse to withdrawal of every second user; and means forinterconnecting the self-contained power source and flexible drivemechanism in response to the mode selector output.
 35. The apparatus asin claim 34 further comprising timing means for activating the means forinterconnecting the self contained power source and flexible drivemechanism upon expiration of a time interval of non-use of the sanitaryfacility.
 36. The apparatus as in claim 34 further comprising means foroutputting sensor status for the time interval first followingactivation of one of the self-contained power source and the userbutton.
 37. The apparatus as in claim 35 further comprising means forresetting the timing means upon each interconnection of theself-contained power source and flexible drive mechanism.
 38. Theapparatus as in claim 34 wherein the control apparatus further comprisesa first enclosure and the flexible drive mechanism comprises a secondenclosure.
 39. The apparatus as in claim 34 wherein the controlapparatus further comprises a single enclosure also containing theflexible drive mechanism.
 40. The apparatus as in claim 34 furthercomprising means for deactivating the means for interconnecting after aflush interval.